Ubud

Monday 3 September

Hit the road soon after 10am and headed north to Ubud - checked out the Monkey Forest and had a good lunch at a roadside warung run by a silver fox from New Jersey and his wife - Naughty Nuri's - good combination of authentic nasi goreng and spare ribs!

Wandered briefly through the town but nothing made us want to stay so we drove back to Seminyak. Chilled out for a while then wandered up the road for a great Greek dinner accompanied by our NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

Kuta

Sunday 2 September

Had a chill morning and got dropped off in Kuta at the site of the October 2002 blasts - paid respects at the memorial there and saw the site of the Sari Club which is empty and overgrown now - everything around it seems business as usual.

Walked through the streets and did some low level shopping and eating before hitting the beach - all of which was a lot more manageable and less crowded than I had expected. The beach was an endless stretch of surfers and hawkers, all very relaxed and spread out, enabling us to walk slowly northwards in the afternoon sun.

Stopped for a drink at Zanzibar in Legian, then proceeded to the Sofitel where I had a great swim and we met up with Jamie's friend Laurence and her boyfriend Philippe. Cruised back to Ku De Ta for a sundowner or two, then to Queen's Tandoor for some of the best Indian food I've ever had. Delicious! Walked home after dinner, though not before dropping some coin at a fantastic shop selling Brazilian beach wear. Choice.

Pass the Jandals, I Think We're in Bali

Saturday 1 September

Having worked like madmen all week, Jamie and I battled sleep deprivation and escaped work just in time to catch a Friday evening flight to Bali, where Mum & Ken were waiting, rancho relaxo style, in a gorgeous two bedroom villa just back from the beach in Seminyak.

We both crashed and emerged ten hours later into some beautiful sunshine and poolside action. Chilled for a few hours then walked over to Ku De Ta to chill some more. Got pounded by the waves, had a cleansing ale, and walked up Jalan Oberoi for some delicious and authentic Italian food at La Trattoria. Yum! Passed out around midnight.